Romans 12:9
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Romans 12:9 (KJV)
Context
The book of Romans is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. In this chapter, Paul urges believers to live a transformed and dedicated life in response to God’s mercy and grace. Romans 12:9 begins a series of practical exhortations that apply the gospel to everyday Christian living.
Meaning
The verse opens with the command to let love be without dissimulation. Dissimulation means hypocrisy or pretense. Paul calls for genuine, sincere love among believers—love that is authentic, without hidden agendas or ulterior motives. Such love reflects the love of Christ and is to be shown openly and honestly.
The verse then commands, “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” The Greek word translated “abhor” carries the sense of intense hatred or aversion, indicating a strong, visceral rejection of evil. “Cleave” means to cling to or hold fast to, suggesting a firm, persistent adherence to what is good. This is not passive avoidance but an active, deliberate choice.
The structure of the verse links genuine love with moral discernment. True love is inseparable from a hatred of evil and a commitment to good. Believers must know what is evil and what is good, then act accordingly. This requires discernment and a will aligned with God’s standards. Love and holiness are intertwined: you cannot truly love without hating what harms others and clinging to what benefits them.
Application
Cultivate genuine love: Examine your motives and intentions in your relationships with others. Strive to love sincerely, without hypocrisy, and with a genuine desire for their well-being.
Reject evil: Identify areas in your life where you may have compromised with sin or allowed evil influences. Take deliberate steps to distance yourself from those things and seek God’s help in overcoming them.
Pursue goodness: Seek to align your thoughts, words, and actions with God’s truth. Embrace and pursue righteousness, kindness, and moral excellence in all areas of your life.
Romans 12:9 is not just a theoretical concept but a practical instruction to be lived out daily. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can strive to love sincerely, reject evil, and pursue goodness, thereby reflecting the character of Christ to the world around them.
